Black Horizons; 2439; NAACP Elections

I'm going to do a little bit more of this video, and I'm going to do a little bit more of this video. I'm going to do a little bit more of this video, and I'm going to do a little bit more of this video. I'm going to do a little bit more of this video. Hello and welcome to Black Horizons. I'm Chris Moore, this special edition of Black Horizons has concentrated solely on the candidates for the Office of President of the Pittsburgh Branch of the

NAACP. Long time President Harvey Adams Jr. did not seek re -election to another term citing health reasons. That decision has thrown the race wide open, and a field of candidates are vying for the presidency. They include Louis Hopp Kendrick's, Leon W. Howard Jr., Mark Brentley, and Eugene Hapbeard. Reverend Thomas Smith is also a candidate for president of the Pittsburgh Branch of the NAACP, but due to his busy schedule, he is not able to appear on our program now. Let me just start with you, first of all, Mr. Kendrick's, and ask you to outline, if you will, your platform, and what you would hope to accomplish over the next two years, which is the length of the term of office for president of the Pittsburgh Branch. It's a relatively simple, Chris. The election is all of us, as we all know, is held on the 8th of December. On the 9th of December, I've already said in motion,

a fundraiser. We shall raise funds to put to word a paying executive director who works solely for the NAACP. It's extremely crucial. We miss too many of our appointments during negotiation because we have a volunteer organization. Too many of us have to work. We can't keep our schedules. If we have an executive director who works for the organization, no negotiation sessions will be missed. Secondly, I've already talked to several attorneys who will re -institute a legal defense committee. Third, and not at least, we must go back into the communities and begin to have what I call an in -house investigation. We need to recognize that all the problems that exist are not created by quote unquote, or slave master. We are a part of the problem, and that must be addressed. We must cease, not be embarrassed, and be compounds. We must show an interest in the educational system. So that is the three things I intend to do the day after the election. Okay, I have some follow -up questions, but I like to move over to Mr. Howard and find out what

his platform is and what would be the first things he would institute as president, if elected. First of all, I want to thank the nominated committee for having the insist to endorse me, and as Mr. Lewis stated, there are several things that we have to address. Primarily, I think we have to reach out to the outskirts of the city of Pittsburgh and bring in other organizations that have been viable and that offer opportunities. We have to work closer with the youth, and the mandate of the NACP Constitution will say is that we are established to eliminate the disenfranchisement within the political arena. So we need to work there also to include quality education, to address the social needs, and so to not necessarily meaning living or sitting next to white folks. So it means to address the problems of the drugs, that's alcohol and drugs, whatever choice it might be, and also the homeless. And before we're just given the other day where the infant mortality rate within the minority community has increased, we need to

address that and not talk about the problem as much as the solutions. And we talk about gangs, you have to bring the ministers more in line to what we're doing, the parents have to also be parents, and the NACP is not a single person's organization. It belongs to the average person who belongs to the city of Pittsburgh, and therefore we need their help to be volunteers within the various kinds of committees. And every committee you can think of is within the NACP, and therefore I'd say that we have an opportunity within the NACP to do everything that we need to do to even correct some of the yields and some of the problems that are inherently within the minority community. Okay, Mr. Brentley. Well, the first thing that I'd like to do, Chris, is make the organization an all -inclusive organization. And to do that, I think you need new ideals, new blood, new faces. It's interesting, and I have to make a,

I guess, somewhat of an apology for the nomination committee. I mean, the nomination committee at one point suggests that they want new ideals and new changes, but their results from their meetings came back with pretty much the same faces. And I think to make the organization inclusive it must reach out to those that are locked out of the process, all of the housing project folks, the young folks, they must include those that have never been a part of this organization before. And then also make it a district organization. Presently, the majority of all the leadership represents one side of the city, and I think that's a little unfair. So my being elected to president, the first priority would to be create a do -for -self attitude. To get this organization off its knees, to stop this organization from begging, having press conferences, and then letting the issue go after that. But we must create a do -for -self attitude. Mr. Beard? Well, first of all, Chris, I want to thank you for having us here, so we

can address or explain our platforms. First of all, I have a four or five -pronged platform. Number one, we have to clearly address black -on -black violence. We're committing genocide, genocide on ourselves. We're like piranhas. We're killing ourselves. We're dragged by shootings. And we're just totally destroying the use of our community by doing that. Even though it's a small segment, maybe less than five or ten percent, we still can't allow that to continue. And you do that by being almost like an umbrella organization. We have a lot of organizations that are out there trying to address the problem, but they're doing it in a manner that is not organized. It's disjointed. It's not cohesive. It's not coherent. And what you have to do is provide an umbrella organization where all these folks can come together. We can all come together, come up with a rational plan to address that very serious problem. And the drug problem goes along with that. It's the same

sort of thing. We have enslaved ourselves with a chemical. That's not controlled by our community. I don't know a single African American has a bloat or a plane or a helicopter that's bringing the drugs into our community. But we have allowed ourselves to be enslaved by a chemical. That's not benefiting us in no matter. That drug tells us when to get up, when to go to bed, who we associate with, everything about our life. But underlying all of that is economics. We have to be about bringing economics and economic development back into our community. That means supporting our black businesses. That means going to the black lending institutions and white lending institutions. We want investment dollars so we can invest in our communities. And so that we can build our own communities and have businesses that we own and can employ African American folks. It also means that we have to reeducate ourselves so that we are not

afraid to patronize black businesses. And that's scary. You know, I'm tired of hearing African Americans say, well, I don't want to go to that doctor because he's African American and that's also in the news. Is that the extent of your platform? No, there's one other thing. And we have to deal with the education. The educational system is abysmal in the city of Pittsburgh. The travesty of the how they selected the current superintendent. There was clearly two African American males who was superior than anybody there. And African American males who were candidates. Yes, there were. Initially, there were some African American males who were part of the system. No, I guess I'm referring to the final. No, but there was clearly some African American males who were superior to everybody who was on the final list. But the school board was determined not to do that. Okay. Mr. Brentling, one of the things I have noticed about this race is that it is clearly one that has

stirred more interest, basically because of the retirement of Mr. Adams. You've been a long time vocal critic of the NAACP and you say that there is new blood and new direction needed. One of the examples Mr. Beard's sites is the NAACP is what's happening in education. Do you think that the NAACP was on the spot when it came to the selection of our new superintendent of schools? Well, but what a contradiction, Chris. I mean, they're discussing the education being an important issue. But remember, they were caught behind the issue. Every day common folks such as myself, we know we had to lay down our lives and go out there and put everything else on the whole to bring this issue to the press or to the folks that were that would be affected by it. Another thing that's interesting too is they're talking about supporting black businesses, keeping the money and money in neighborhoods. But this is an organization that annually takes an annual human rights dinner out of the African -American community. $35 a ticket to go into some place downtown that I would bet money that

the Pittsburgh Hilton has never talked about some type of creative profit sharing. Pittsburgh Hilton probably doesn't even own a membership. I think that's a contradiction. I think you've made your point. You are currently a vice president. How would you answer that kind of criticism? Well, you're talking to reference to the Board of Education. I'm not here for a confrontation. But during the process of the superintendents of the school, the NACP had many meetings with those that were making the decisions. They might not have been publicized, but there were meetings to include Judge Johnson, to include Harvey Adams, the president, to include some other people. And what were the results of those meetings? The results were that they did not select our candidate, which was Ms. Webb, Dr. Webb. We were finding very diligently. As a matter of fact, there were several NACP persons, including those who are members and

board members, who attended the hearings that were referred to by Mark Brentley. On the other hand of the coin, when you talk about black businesses, we're talking not only to support black businesses through funds or through purchasing. We're talking about creating businesses that are surviving. We're asking the not only the city, the federal government, the state government not to only give their monies to build businesses, but to purchase the good supplies and services. Okay, that's another platform. Mr. Kendrick, you're a proposal to have a paid staff person. There was a paid staff person in one time, an executive director, who actually did these kinds of things. You think it's time to get back to that time? There's been several over the years, not just one. There hasn't been one in recent years. But it's very obvious with the multitude of problems that we're confronted with, that the Gene Bears, Leon Howard, the Mark Brentley and the Lord's Kindreds of the World, couldn't possibly attend, the very important negotiating sessions, basically because our time is limited. I think it's imperative that we have a paid executive

director who solve function, it will be to attend these negotiations. It's just that basic. Okay, what do you have, Mr. Beard? What do you think about that? I agree that that should be a long range goal to have a paid executive director. With one caveat though, that the monies or the funds that pay this person do not come from white sources, or white companies, or agencies, or institutions. I think we should be able to raise the money ourselves. Mr. Brentley, what do you think? Pay the executive director. I support it 100%. Okay, Mr. Howard. I don't support it. I don't support it for the reasonable reason that if we had chairpersons of various committees, they have the responsibility to be in control of the committees. Not in the executive director who gives them direction. We have a secretary who is paid who takes the information, generally in distributed information, to the chairperson who makes the report, to the board, and the board also makes the final decision. We don't need a third person in between at this time, as we grow larger in statute, and in a membership we might be able to

use, but not not. Okay, Mr. Beard, there has been a lot of criticism before Mark, before Reverend Smith, who is another candidate who is not with us. But nationwide, we have seen criticism from some quarters, including the black community of the NAACP, saying that they should turn their focus away from civil rights to issues like you are not seated, economics to other kinds of issues that are more important to black people in this day and time. What do you think of that kind of criticism? And it sounds as though all of you, gentlemen, are responding to that as long time activists within the NAACP. I think it is civil rights. I think it is human rights. It's all under one basic ball. In other words, if we're not prepared to take a job, because the educational system is bad or we aren't dope, no matter how many doors we kick up or we don't have anybody prepared to go through the door,

then it's fruitless. So we have to do those sorts of things, which goes a lot better. We should also get away from the traditional civil rights things like negotiating with companies and fair share agreements. Okay, fine, Mr. Kendrick, you were about to disagree. Yeah, you know, I think you took out a context of what happened to Sam. The priorities of what the NAACP over the years has been employment and housing, but civil rights encompasses every phase of our lives. It encompasses political sophistication. It encompasses first -class educational system. It encompasses the right to promote your job if you get a job. You know, all of that is civil rights. But, you know, we shouldn't get caught up in all this, what I call, over criticism of the NAACP. They have done a yeoman's job. I'm very proud to sit here and say, I've served the organization and served me well. We need to take the positive achievers that we make, Chris, and begin to build upon them. What would you list as those positive achievements here

in Pittsburgh? The job that I had in our whole, the job that Mark Brentley holds, the one that Mr. Beard holds, the fact that Leon's able to get a broken slice of it, the fact that you sit here in Channel 13, none of these companies hired us out of the goodness of their heart. You know, it wasn't a more decision in me. The NAACP took to the streets of this nation, white folks and black folks alike, and pricked the conscience of these corporations. Okay, Mr. Brentley, what about that? You know, that's all well and good, but we're talking about accomplishments over 20, 30 years ago. We're talking about rising up from the 60s mentality, the marching and the civil rights and the clenching of the hands and the wheat shell overcomes. Don't get me wrong. It was very beneficial. It worked. We're all products of it. But at what point do we move on and stop, you know, harping on what we've done? Young folks are dying in the streets. The businesses, African -American businesses are struggling every day. They're failing every day, and we're still talking about... What whole can the NAACP offer

to those two issues that you name? It's clear. This is the largest and oldest civil rights organization, and the best way to set an example is by leading. First thing you do, if you're talking about keeping the dollars within the African -American community, you lead to charge. You cut off your relationship with the Hilton Hotel, and you bring it back into the African -American community. You put us to work in fiscal one day. What place would the African -American community could hold a dinner tonight? For what we have with it, at least three beautiful churches that I know that have extremely large auditorium -type rooms. Let's do that. The churches have their annual affairs. But it's in the hotel downtown. Do you see the attitude that I'm talking about? I mean, not even exploring the possibilities, which is what disturbs me. Before you can even suggest something that's going to create something that's going to support the masses of the people in this city, it's shut down. Just like you seen here a second ago from these members here, or candidates, that's been a part of this organization for 10 to 15 years. When will we change? You are viewed, and these are my words,

and I've been criticized for using them. You've been viewed as an outsider, you and also Reverend Thomas Smith, who has been involved with the NAACP in Virginia and his home state. But you're viewed as outsiders when you come in and make these kinds of suggestions that are turned down. Is that good or bad? That's a strong point for me, Chris, because I'm able to step on the outside and look at it from a young man's point of view. I can look at it from a point of view from not being on the inside. I don't have to be a part of the inner office politics, you know. It's an advantage to me. And if I were with the disadvantaged in terms of most long time members may not vote for you just on that basis. But that's a compliment again. That's a problem that they have to live with. I represent change. I am what the organization needs. Okay. We're going to problem with inside outside. I said that's my turn. And I don't know whether the kind of stages are good or bad, but I don't have any kind of stage with one way or the other. Let me explain what they are inside. You guys have been around the

NAACP in this time for a number of years. And there's nothing wrong with that. So don't attach any negative connotation to being an inside candidate. An outsider and a vocal critic, Mark and Reverend Smith have both been. And that's all they mean. Inside has no negative connotation. And you should not attach one. I'm not attaching anything to it. I'm going to have a clear definition in order for me to respond. Is that satisfying? In a complimentary manner. All right, fine. To be a part of the NAACP whether you're working as a board member or whether you're a candidate at this particular time or whether you're a member. We are all inside of an organization. How about the old school and the new school of thought? You hear the ideas that Mark expresses about all the other kinds of things. You're not holding ideas or new ideas. We have been looking since the NAACP has been formulated for areas to implore and to gather and to have celebrations if you call it

celebration for the unrights dinner within a black community. We have not yet found a place large enough that would offer the NAACP the second largest dinner in the state of Pennsylvania. Next to the Dandy Duffer's affair, a large enough place. Now let's talk something specific. Let's talk about the mom and pop stores. Let's talk about the homewood store that's almost out of business because we ride food. City food. That's what we can help with. We can drive from the north side of city foods or we can buy security or we can buy other kinds of products from black folks. I'm money coming into the community and do 180 degrees right back out. So you're back for that campaign or the kinds of things that you say are good ideas. Oh, they're good ideas. They're in effect. You think those are also good ideas and no matter how long they've been around, they are still good ideas and worth implementing, right? I think this, I think first of all, let me say this about inside

outside. I'm tired of people talking about that because I am very proud and have been working with NAACP for 18 years. Why are you tired of it? Because it's true. It's not true. It's not Chris because all you have to do is buy a $10 membership. I don't know anybody in NAACP when I join. By a $10 membership, I took it upon myself to join the committee and began the work. You can have it. And I work to the term, but I mean you have been around for a long time. I'm saying you work at a nice school of folk. No, it doesn't. And there's nothing wrong with that term. And there's no negative connotation to that. I say this. I mean, I don't know what it is, but there's no excuse for why Mark or River Smith haven't been active. If they want to change, they could have been active. Okay. There's a young man. There's a young man. There's a young man who have been active for 15 years in my neighborhood. I have a lot of energy and a lot of time. And I want to be a part of something positive. But he makes a good point. All you have to do is pay $10 for a membership. And I have done a member

for four years. Oh, at least five or six years. I mean, that's not a long time. Well, I'm a listen. Well, let's look at the criteria. To be a candidate for any particular office in this organization, the by -law states, all you have to do is be a member in good standing. Okay. This says nothing about a committee. A committee is the present candidates here always want folks to get on a committee because that's an opportunity for them to break you down on your belief, to make you a part of them, and so that you can be a part of the old, we shall overcome. Sure. Well, it's a fact. You see, the three -minuteer is nothing different about their approach to systems. You know, Mark talked about it. You set up press conferences, you talk extremely tough, and then the issue dies to him. Mark, you're not there, Chris. I mean, Mark talked about it. Mark can't exist. I've had a chance to join in. You know, I very seldom get chance to talk, and you follow us about talking. But you know, it is an established fact, Mark. You know, I knew your father a long time ago. Yes, you told me that. I was just unfortunate or unfortunate to meet you four years ago. You have an opportunity for me. The first time I ever saw you, you walked in the office to buy a membership, and

I was under the illusion that you came to join the war against bigotry and discrimination. I didn't know that you had joined you run against Leon Howard. But nevertheless, that's your legal right. That's right. You're right. The basic requirements are that you'll be a member 30 days prior to election, and you did that. That's right. You ran a couple years ago, very soundly defeated. We took an interest in you as a young man with a lot of energy, negative sometime, but nevertheless energy. We offered you a list of committees, and said to you point blank, take whatever committee you choose. You want an economic committee to devise a method of raising money, what I'll go into the room, is yours for the asking. You declined. That's right. You took your ball and went home. That's right. Here you are back once again. Once again, with all that saying, negative criticism. That is the fact. You had every opportunity in the world to be involved in your organization. But you're missing a point on that. I get to say my wife's on time, but I didn't leave. Yes, and you said that before. I'm going to say it here because it needs to be said. You talked about it. Let him respond. At this point, I do not want to be a part of a sinking ship.

And as long as we're out there. Is that how you describe this issue? There's no question about it. There's no question about it. How can you describe this issue? Let me explain. Let me explain. You're going to be young. I don't want to be a one -of -a -one. I'm going to be a president of a sinking ship. There it is. There is no question. He makes a good point. How would you describe it to be a captain of a sinking ship? Well, but it's also important you got to remember, too, that the president announced his willingness to step down. And you've got to also look at the increase in membership since he announced that. Do you truly that to you and Revan Smith? Oh, we attribute that to folks wanting a change. I've spoken working on membership for years. Yes, but people have been wanting to be a part of this organization. But they know it was a locked shop because of the president administration and a handful of folks who simply do things for themselves. Mr. Howard, you received the endorsement. Yes. Were you surprised at all about the denominated committee? I was surprised. What's new about it? What do you guys love about it? What's new about it? We only got 30 seconds. Mr. Kendrick, why are you laughing? No, I was just laughing. Why are you laughing?

I wasn't surprised. I don't know whether he was or not, but I wasn't. You weren't surprised. No, are you trying to say it wasn't inside, John? No, I just wasn't surprised. What about you? It was a total embarrassment. One thing they said, well, he wanted to be sure it was. Well, we want to change. We want to track new folks. We want to keep the money on neighborhood. But you came out with the same kind of thing. How do you find it, sir? I think it was an admirable job done by people who elected to do and serve the NACP, you know, membership. And I say the U .S. is an endorsement. And I expect to win. And we won't have, it's not only... You respect the win. Absolutely. There's no question. This election is a jump on. I think the membership is willing for change. I have no respect for the voting members with NAACP. And I'm quite sure they're going to do what's best for the organization. That's through Let's Hot Country. Okay. Thank you, gentlemen, for all being here. This is the first time that I've seen this much interest in Black Pittsburgh and who would leave the NAACP into the next decade. All members of the NAACP should make every effort to cast their votes for the candidate of their choice on December 8th. Made the best man win. Again, a Reverend Smith could not be with us another candidate because of his schedule and conflicts.

Remember, I can also be heard on W6J -1550 on your 8 -M dial from 7 to 10 a .m. every weekday morning. We will have the NAACP presidential candidates on W6J all throughout next week. You'll be able to ask the questions then, so tune in and give us a call. I'm Chris Moore. Bye. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.